Sicily isn’t just Italy’s largest island – it’s a world of its own. A land where fiery volcanoes meet sparkling seas, where crumbling temples sit alongside baroque palaces, and where every meal feels like a celebration. Driving across this sun-drenched island is like peeling back layers of history, with each stop revealing a new story.
From the energy of Palermo to the ancient drama of Agrigento, from the cobbled lanes of Ortigia to the romance of Taormina, Sicily is a road trip of contrasts and wonders. And yes, the food alone is reason enough to visit – think golden arancini, rich caponata, and wines born from volcanic soil.
Here’s how to create the ultimate Sicily 10-day itinerary packed with culture, food and unforgettable views.
Palermo: Food, Markets and a Colourful Capital
Perched on the northwest coast, Palermo is a city that never quite sits still. It’s bold, brash, and bursting with character. Norman, Arab and Byzantine influences collide in its architecture, from honey-hued churches to mosaic-filled cathedrals.
Wander through the vibrant Ballarò Market, one of the best things to do in Sicily, where voices rise above the aroma of sizzling street food. Bite into a fresh cannoli or panelle (chickpea fritters) and you’ll instantly understand why Palermo is Italy’s street food capital.
Beyond the city, the countryside softens into rolling hills and coastal salt pans. Hilltop towns like Erice offer cobbled streets, sweeping views and almond sweets so good you’ll want to take a box home. Palermo is gritty, chaotic, but absolutely unforgettable.
Agrigento: Valley of the Temples and Sicily’s Ancient Past
Down on Sicily’s southwest coast, Agrigento is where you'll find beautifully preserved Greek and Roman ruins. The Valley of the Temples is its crown jewel – a stretch of Doric ruins that look particularly magical in the early morning light. Walking here among columns that have stood for over 2,000 years is a breathtaking experience and a highlight of any Sicily road trip itinerary.
But Agrigento is more than history. The surrounding hills roll with vineyards, olive groves and rustic farmsteads. Tasting olive oil straight from the press or sipping local wine in the sunshine is the kind of simple pleasure Sicily does best.
Syracuse & Ortigia: A Guide to Sicily’s Greek Heart
Once described by Cicero as the greatest Greek city of them all, Syracuse still radiates grandeur. Its historic heart, the island of Ortigia, is a maze of sun-bleached lanes, lively piazzas and baroque facades that glow golden in the afternoon light. At the centre sits the Duomo, whose columns once belonged to the Temple of Athena.
Locals swim from wooden platforms along Ortigia’s shores, while trattorias serve up platters of seafood and creamy ricotta. Beyond Ortigia, the wider Syracuse area is scattered with Greek and Roman ruins, while the nearby towns of Noto, Ragusa and Modica sparkle with Sicilian baroque beauty. Don’t miss Modica’s chocolate, an age-old local specialty that’s utterly unique.
Taormina: Things to Do in Sicily’s Romantic Hilltop Town
If ever there was a town designed for romance, it’s Taormina. Perched high above the Ionian Sea, its cobbled streets are lined with elegant boutiques, shady squares and cafés perfect for people-watching. The iconic Teatro Greco amphitheatre offers dazzling views of both the coast and Mount Etna in the distance.
For an even higher vantage point, drive up to Castelmola, a tiny hamlet above Taormina, often called the best balcony in Sicily. Whether you’re here for the sweeping views, the food, or simply the atmosphere, Taormina is a must for any Sicily highlights road trip.
Mount Etna: Wine Tasting on Europe’s Tallest Volcano
No journey through Sicily would be complete without meeting its most dramatic resident – Mount Etna. Europe’s tallest active volcano dominates the skyline, a smoking giant whose fertile slopes produce some of the island’s finest wines.
Exploring Etna is an adventure in itself. You can drive or hike up its lava-streaked trails, descend into hidden caves, and feel the crunch of volcanic rock beneath your boots. Afterwards, reward yourself with a glass of Etna Rosso at a nearby vineyard, where the soil’s mineral-rich character shines through in every sip. Pair it with Sicilian dishes like arancini or pasta alla Norma, and you’ll understand why Etna’s kitchen is every bit as thrilling as its craters.
Why a Sicily Road Trip Steals Hearts
Sicily is an island of layers – of history, culture, food and landscapes that shift from ancient ruins to glittering seas in the space of a single drive. It’s a place where you’ll feel the pull of the past in Agrigento, the hum of daily life in Palermo, the romance of Taormina and the raw power of Etna.
When the journey ends, it’s the flavours, golden light and timeless atmosphere that linger longest.
At Journeys Made, we believe every adventure deserves to be remembered. That’s why we create handcrafted travel keyrings with personalised tokens – so you can carry a piece of Sicily (or wherever your travels take you) wherever you go.
